An indigenously developed Advanced Air Defence (AAD), supersonic interceptor missile, was successfully tested by India on Thursday. This interceptor missile was test fired from a defence test facility in Abdul Kalam island present in Bay of Bengal. This missile is capable of destroying any low altitude incoming ballistic missile.

The test was considered successful when the missile successfully intercepted an incoming ballistic missile target, within a 30 KM altitude of the earth’s atmosphere. The interceptor missile embarked upon its trajectory to destroy the ballistic missile, after it received signals via its tracking radars.

The 7.5 metre long interceptor is a long single stage solid rocket propelled guided missile, which is equipped with a navigation system, hi-tech computer and an electro-mechanical activator. It also contains a mobile launcher, secure data link for interception, sophisticated radars and has independent tracking, homing capabilities.

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This was a third such test conducted in 2017 in this regard, with two others being conducted on 11th February and 1st March respectively. All these tests are being carried out in order to develop a full-fledged multi-layer Ballistic Missile Defence system.

Looking back, 2017 might be termed as a successful year when it comes to India strengthening its indigenous defence capabilities.

We had reported how India had started the process of building six nuclear submarines to significantly increase the Navy’s strike capabilities in the face of China’s growing belligerence in the Indo-pacific region. This came after, in 2016 India commissioned INS Arihant as its first indigenious nuclear powered submarine.

It was also reported how DRDO too is making very impressive strides in defence production after it developed India’s first unmanned remotely operated tank. The tank named Muntra was rolled out of DRDO’s Chennai lab.

This tank can chiefly be used in three ways that are surveillance, mine detection and reconnaissance. It can also operate in areas which have nuclear and bio hazards.

Apart from these tanks, the DRDO also showcased some other cutting edge equipment it has developed. The inventions include a handheld wall penetration radar which when placed on a wall would be able to project the presence of people on the other side of it, helmet-mounted night vision, nano-driven thermal and electromagnetic protection which acts as a shield against electromagnetic attack to name a few.

The MoS Defence said the search operation was conducted in accordance with the laid down procedures, causing no undue harassment of the locals and a ‘No objection certificate’ was obtained from the village elders.

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